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Flames Rip Through Former Longaberger Building

by Erika Brooks on February 13, 2014 at 11:18 am

The call originally came in as smoke showing from a building at 95 Chestnut Street in the Village of Dresden at around 11 p.m. Tuesday night. When crews arrived shortly after, flames were shooting out through the roof and windows of the building.

Dresden and Frazeysburg Firefighters had to take a defensive approach in fighting the blaze, according to Dresden Fire Chief Carl Archer. He confirmed the fire started on the north end of the building. Archer went on to say at first look, the fire appears suspicious as, according to him, there is no electricity running to the building.

Power lines directly outside the building supply power to Trinway and a large portion of Dresden so AEP was called in as a precaution to make sure power was not disrupted. Fire crews also had to deal with low water pressure from the hydrants in Dresden, but Archer said a tanker would not be necessary to help put out the flames. He did say it would likely take most of the night to completely put the fire out.

According to Dresden Assistant Chief of Police Scott Caldwell, the building was vacant, except for a small wrought iron business at the south end of the building.

The building was originally used for making Longaberger baskets until about 10 years ago when they moved location. Fire Chief Archer says the building is a total loss. No injuries were reported.